EIC Accelerator (grant only)
European Innovation Council·European Union
Lump sum grant below EUR 2.5 million for a single startup or SME to complete TRL 6-8 innovation activities within 24 months, with no equity taken.
What you get
“Lump sum contribution below € 2.5 million, for innovation activities (TRL 6-8), to be completed within 24 months. Grant only - for start-ups and SMEs with capacity to scale-up. To be provided only once during the implementation period of the Horizon Europe programme (2021-2027)”
Can you apply
Applicants from EU Member States and countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme: Single start-up or SME (including spin-outs); Small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) in need of rapid scale up of the TRL 9 activity. Mid-caps can apply for investment only; Natural persons or legal entities willing to set up an SMEs or a mid-cap. Applicants from third countries: Applicants from third countries may relocate their company in order to become eligible. This must be done before submitting the full application (Step 2). Applicants from the United Kingdom can only apply for the "grant only" scheme. Concurrent applications: Applicants may submit only one application to the EIC Accelerator.
When
Not open yet. The next round is listed below.
Upcoming
- 2026 full proposal batch 4 Novembercloses 4 Nov 2026 · 97 days left
- 2026 full proposal batch 2 Septembercloses 2 Sept 2026 · 34 days left
Past rounds
- 2026 full proposal batch 8 Julyclosed 8 Jul 2026
What European Innovation Council funds
The European Innovation Council is Horizon Europe's deep tech arm, funding everything from early-stage research consortia (Pathfinder) through proof-of-concept maturation (Transition) to grant-plus-equity scale-up finance for single startups and SMEs (Accelerator). Open to any field of technology, including AI and software.
Everything European Innovation Council funds →Details
One of three funding forms under the EIC Accelerator; the grant-only form is the only one open to UK applicants. The overall 2026 budget is EUR 414 million for the EIC Accelerator Open (any field of technology) and EUR 220 million for the EIC Accelerator Challenges (pre-defined topics). Selection runs in four steps: short proposal (batched every first Tuesday of the month), full proposal at a fixed batching date, EIC Jury interview, then grant signature.